A radio amateur argues for mesh networking protocols that use message signing instead of encryption to comply with amateur radio regulations requiring cleartext transmissions. They critique existing solutions like Meshtastic and Meshcore for being encrypted by default and propose an open, signed-message approach as an alternative.
An autopatch is a feature on amateur radio repeaters and base stations that allows users with DTMF-capable transceivers to make telephone calls, typically limited to local or toll-free numbers. Primarily used for emergency connectivity in areas with lost telephone access, the practice has existed since early amateur radio and is regulated in the United States by FCC rules prohibiting music on hold.